Right at the top of December, actor and songwriter Leslie Odom, Jr. is taking his aptly titled 2020 album, The Christmas Album, to the Walt Disney Concert Hall just in time to kick off the holiday season on Dec. 1. The concert, part of the Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts being held all throughout December, is a fitting way to start the month with some holiday classics performed by a multi-talented artist. An hour before the show, which begins at 7:30 PM, the BP Hall will be giving out complimentary hot cocoa in the Winter Wonderland section.

Tickets are on sale now for Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, as we often give away tickets for shows at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as other venues in the LA area. Additionally, follow us on Instagram so you don’t miss an announcement of any upcoming giveaways to shows in the near future.

Words: David Sosa

A true multi-hyphenate

Having made a name for himself across theaters, silver screens, and published works, Odom is the kind of artist who has not only ventured into various creative spaces but flourished in each and every one. He first made it big when he originated the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton, which earned him a Tony and Grammy win in 2016. Later, he played legendary soul singer-songwriter Sam Cooke in Regina King’s “Once Upon a Time in Miami.” That role also saw a slew of accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Song.

Beyond the many roles audiences have come to know from Odom, he also has a successful music career separate from his contributions to the Hamilton soundtrack. First throwing his hat into the Christmas sphere with 2017’s Simply Christmas, Odom had made holiday songs a cornerstone in his catalog long before the release of The Christmas Album. Outside of his festive releases, he dropped his latest album, When a Crooner Dies, his fifth within 10 years since his debut in 2014. Through and through, there are few artists like Odom who can stretch themselves across multiple mediums and do so successfully, making it all look effortless.

A unique Christmas show

Aside from the usual suspects like “Last Christmas” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Odom has a slew of original songs to perform, as well as lesser-known holiday mainstays that will ensure an eclectic selection. Off of The Christmas Album, he recorded two original songs, “Snow” and “Heaven & Earth,” which hold their own when placed against tracks far more recognizable and beyond the basic definition of iconic.

Despite the record’s name, he doesn’t limit the holiday cheer to just Christmas songs, as is the case with “Ma’oz Tzur,” a Jewish poem written for Hanukkah. The album also features “Mele Kalikimaka,” which is a Hawaiian Christmas song that’s appeared in several movies, such as “Catch Me If You Can” and covered by singers like Bing Cosby. All of that is to say there’s no need to worry about a show that is limited in its scope, further proving how carefully Odom approaches his concerts and albums.

Perfect for families

Whether or not you were previously familiar with Odom or his Christmas album, the concert is a great way to ring in December through a varied show. While just about any show from the Deck the Hall series would be a more than fitting way to celebrate, Odom offers a unique experience where younger audiences can become acquainted with songs synonymous with the season and tracks either original or underrated by the usual radio rotation. The concert is on a school night, so be sure to take time into account for the evening, which begins at 7:30. However, even if you’re not bringing along the whole family, Odom serves as a great host and performer that will set the tone for the rest of the month.

Upcoming Shows at Walt Disney Concert Hall

The season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is in full swing and is getting more festive by the minute. While we can’t recommend Leslie Odom, Jr Christmas Tour enough, we also need to put these upcoming shows at the Hall on your radar.

11/21-24 Star Wars in Concert

12/14 Holiday Sing-Along  

12/21-22 Home Alone in Concert  

12/23 Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday

12/31 NYE with D-Nice & Friends

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